Peterborough v Barnsley Preview

Posted on | October 30, 2009 | No Comments

At the start of the season the bookies tipped these two sides as relegation contenders and judging by the start both have had, that looks to be accurate at the moment. Home side Peterborough sit in 21st position while Barnsley are just one place and three points higher.

Having masterminded back-to-back promotions, there were some who thought that Darren Ferguson’s side could be looking to perform the unthinkable and gain a third to the Promised Land. However, the realists realized that the step up to the Championship is a huge one and despite Posh’s fantastic success over the last couple of years, maintaining their divisional status will still be a brilliant achievement for now. In their last league game they did manage to exit the relegation zone though having recorded a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Scunthorpe. However, that result was their first victory in six and considering Barnsley’s lowly position, Ferguson knows that Saturday’s game is a must-win if they are to relieve some pressure from themselves.

As for Barnsley, their form has slumped in the last week or so. Ten days or so ago they had the best form in the division, but back-to-back league defeats as well as a loss to Manchester United in the cup means that the Tykes are struggling again. In a midweek game against Nottingham Forest last week it seemed as though they were about to hang on for a draw, only for an injury time winner from Billy Davies’ men to kill them. Having lost two games since then, Mark Robins will be hoping that incident doesn’t prove to be a turning point in their season. However, while they did lose to Manchester United in the cup on Tuesday, they impressed many pundits and were unlucky to at least not score. If they can continue to play as well as that, they should have no problems in drawing away from the bottom three.

Peterborough were forced into the loan market earlier this week after first choice keeper Joe Lewis was sent off in their Carling Cup tie. This meant Darren Ferguson went out and recruited Ben Amos, who joins the club on loan and will make his debut in this game. There are slight doubts over Craig Mackail-Smith and Gabriel Zakuani although the latter is tipped to shake off his injury and feature in this one. Barnsley on the other hand just have two concerns, with midfielders Emil Hallfredsson and Adam Hammill both doubtful through injury.

Both of these sides are struggling at the moment but have two young managers who have already made a positive impression in football. Both know how important it is to avoid defeat here, so we’ll predict a scrappy game that ends in a 1-1 draw.

Related posts:

1. Barnsley v Peterborough Preview
2. Peterborough v Sheffield Wednesday Preview
3. Peterborough v Leicester Preview
4. Barnsley v QPR Preview
5. Barnsley v Burnley Preview

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